Plural spray valve



PLURAL SPRAY VALVE Filed Sept. 3. 1963 United States Patent O 3,195,569 PLURAL SPRAY VALVE Neis W. Seaquist, Crystal Lake, lll., assigner, by mesne assignments, to Seaquist Jaive Company, Division of Pittsburgh Railways Company, Cary, lll., a corporation o Pennsylvania Filed Sept. 3, 1.963, Ser. No. 306,153 7 Claims. ((Il. 137-553) This invention relates to an aerosol valve, and more particularly to an aerosol valve which is capable of spraying a plurality of spray patterns by simply varying the actuating force upon the valve.

ln the aerosol field, it is frequently desirable to vary the spray pattern; for example, in hair spray application, a tine spray is desirable for the smaller forehead tresses, while a coarse spray is desirable for the larger neck tresses. in garden sprays, a heavy spray is desirable for dense foliage to insure complete coverage, whereas individual branches of the same plant need only a light spray. In insecticidal sprays, a coarse spray is preferred where insect density is expected to be high, such as around screen doors. Light sprays are best for atmospheric application to dying insects, such as in a bedroom or tent before retiring.

It is not convenient or commercially practical to market different aerosol cans with different spray patterns. The inventory problem is overwhelming.

An obiect of this invention is to provide a novel aerosol valve which is capable of spraying a plurality of spray patterns.

Another object of this invention is to provide an aerosol valve of the above character which is operable over its entire pattern range by mere variation in valve actuating force.

Still another object is to provide an aerosol valve of the above character having an indicating mechainisrn for detecting a next upward or a next downward step in the spray pattern.

A further object is to provide an aerosol valve of the c' above character which has a unique instant change-over in spray pattern whereby undesirable and ineffectual scatter patterns during switchover are avoided.

A still further object is to provide an aerosol valve of the above character which is relatively simple in structure whereby construction and assembly costs are minimized.

Another object is to provide an aerosol valve of the above character which can be affixed to an aerosol can with existing canning machinery.

Still another object is to provide an aerosol valve of the above character which is dependable over a long shelf life.

Other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangement of parts which will be exemplied in the constructions hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

For a fuller understanding of the nature Iand objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. l is a side elevational view of the upper part of an aerosol can showing the valve of this invention afxed to the crown top.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the valve of this invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment showing it with the lower exit port open whereby a tine spray pattern is elfected.

FlG. 4 illustrates the next sequential operational step ICC of FIG. 3 when a coarse spray pattern is being effected.

FlG. 5 is a detailed side View of the Valve stem of FIG. 3 to illustrate a particular configuration for the exit ports whereby instantaneous change-over from line to coarse spray or vice versa is effected.

FlG. 6 is a cross sectional View of still another embodiment of the valve of this invention.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawing.

As illustrated in the drawing, FIGS. 2 to 4 and 6 specifically, the novel aerosol Valve of this invention comprises, in its broader aspects, a valve body 10, a tubular valve stern 12, having a plurality of vertically disposed dispensing ports 14 and 16 (only two shown) on its side wall, preferably radially dispersed around the stem to facilitate molding, a dispensing head 1S, sealing means 2t), and valve stem biasing means 22. More particularly, the valve of this invention comprises a tubular valve body iii, which contains the valve stem biasing means 22 and the closed bottom portion 32 of the tubular valve stem l2. As shown, the biasing means preferably comprises a spring which, in its usual condition, is cornpressed between a lower inwardly directed annular rim of the valve body l@ and the bottom surface 36 of the valve stern l2. Boss 3S guides the spring against lateral movement during operation of the valve. In the normal closed position of the valve, the two or more dispensing ports ld and i6 which are located in vertical fashion on the side wall of the valve stern l2, and preferably in radially opposite fashion (sce FiGS. 2 and 6) are covered by sealing means 2d. As the valve stern is depressed via dispensing head 18, the individual dispensing ports move downwardly and become free of the sealing means so that they communicate with the contents of aerosol can 26 (see FlG. l). Pressure within the can causes expulsion of the contained material (active material plus propellant) through the tubular valve body lil, through the dispensing ports as they are uncovered, through the hollow tubular valve stern i2 and out through the dispensing head 18. Dependent upon the amount of material expelled, a ine to a coarse spray pattern is effected. rl`hus, by simple variation of the actuating force on the dispensing head, diiiering spray patterns can be had. And such unique variation ,in spray pattern does not require any change in the basic dimension of the valve so that, as shown in PEG. l, it may in customary fashion be mounted upon the opened crown top 2d of standard stock aerosol cans 2.6 by the usual gripping means 28 on the Valve housing member As seen in FIGS. 2 and 6, such gripping means generally comprise a crimped lip which grips the beaded edge of the crown top 24. Other means such as threading, soldering, and the like can also be utilized, if desired.

The several parts of the valve are maintained in assembled fashion, as shown, by crimping or force fitting the inner cup portion of the valve housing member 30 upon the upper portion of valve body 1i).

Anchor rirn 48 is for the purpose of anchoring a dip tube to the valve to insure complete emptying the aerosol can.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 consists of a spray pattern change indication means comprising a `second spring St) which rides on mid-shoulder 52 of the valve body 1d. The upper end of spring 5) engages the bottom surface 36 of the valve stern l2, which may be slightly larger to accommodate the added spring Sil, just before the second dispensing port il-/l becomes free of the sealing `means 2b. Additional nger pressure is therefore required of the operator to further actuate the valve and thus provide a touch indication of the change from a fine to a coarser spray. Additional spring means could be similarly yeach orifice face each other.

`indicator nibs162 (only one shown) mounted upon the .'Wall of the valve stem 12. The nibs .are located so Vthat Uthey are .engaged ju-strbefore the next dispensing port is opened. When the indicator finger 60 is forced past the nibs 62, anaudible click noise is produced as the linger 60 and the nibs 62 snap back to their normal positions. This `design for .a spray indicator permitsboth a touch and an audio means for detecting the change in spray pattern.

The embodiment ,shown in FIG. 6 utilizes a spring Y V'biased ball.70 Within a cavity 72 inthe Wallof'the closed :bottomr portion 32 of the valve lstem 12, bearing against the inner surf-ace 74 of the valve body 16. Surf-ace 74 fing valve ste-m to seal the contents of the aerosol can untilv v .one or more of the dispensing ports 14, 16, and others not shown are moved free Iof the gaskets. Generally, the gasvkets comprise a .soft neoprene or'Buna S rubber, or other .resilient plastic chemically inert material.

In situations where ythe gasket means are sutciently 'stiil the assembly shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 need n-ot be used. VOne gasket, 46, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, will be satisfactory to properly seal the valve.

'Reference is now made to FIG. 5, wherein the dispensing 'port 16on the valve stem is illustratedin side eleva- -tional view. It will be noted that it and its mate port 14 :have .a-half circular configuration. The ilat 8d and 82 of Thus, as the valve stem travels downwardly during actuation of the valve, there is lan instantaneous substantially complete exposure of port 14 tothe pressurized contents,landlupon releases .there is an instantaneous cutoif or sealing of port 14. Scatter patpanying drawing shall be interpreted as illustrative and v not in a limiting sense.

-It is also to be understood that therfollowing claims are v.

intended to-cover all of the generic and specific features'of the invention yherein describedand'all statements ofthe scope of lthe invention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to -iall therebetween..V

Nowrthat the invention has been described, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:` Y'

1. A valve capable Iofdisp'ensing a plurality -of spray patterns comprising a valve body, means on said valve for axing said valveto an 4aerosol container, a-hollow valve stem With-a closed end-reciprocally operable within said body, said stem'having a plurality of dispensing portsldisposed in its Wall along its length which are opened. sequentially asA ,said valve Ystem is reciprocal-ly operated,A valve Vstern biasing-means acting 'upon said 'closed end to bias said stern outwardly of said valvefbody, and valve sealing means disposed 'so as t-o seal said `dispensing ports when the Y Yposed so as to seal said dispensingportswhen the closed closed end of` said body. Y g y v rL A 2. A valvecapable of dispensing Y.a plurality, ofr spraypatterns comprising a valvebodyy means on said valve for stem is biased outwardly of ysaid valve affixing said valve to an :aerosol container, a hollow valve l stern with a closed end reciprocally operableV within said' body,` said stem having a plurality of dispensing ports disposed in its wall along its length, valve stem biasing means acting upon said closed end to bias said stem outwardly of said valve body, valve'sealing means disposed so as to seal said dispensing ports when the closed end of said stem is biased outwardly of said valve body, valve stem .actuating Y imeans aixed to said stemfor reciprocally operating said valve stem to sequentially-open the dispensing ports of said valve to etfecta pluralityffof spray patterns and a spray pattern change indication means' operated when said valve stem is reciprocally operated within said body to provide an indication ofLa Ichange in said spray'pattern.

3. A valve capable of dispensing a plurality `of lspray patterns comprising a valve-body, means on said valve for -aifixing said valve to an aerosol container, a hollow valve stem with Va closed end reciproc'ally operable within said body, said stem having a plurality of dispensing ports disposed in its wall 'along `its length which are opened se- @disposed so asto seal said dispensing ports when the closed end of said stem is biased outwardly of said valve body,

Vand a .spray pattern change indication means comprisking a'resilient finger acting upon a nib,'said finger and nib being atlixed to said body and said stem whereby movement between'the body and Astem results in a touch and Yaudio indication of a changeover'in spray pattern.

Y4. A valve capable of dispensing applu'rality of spray `patterns comprising a valve body, means on said valve for aiiixing said valve to an aerosol container, a hollow valve stem with .a closed end recipr-ocally operable within said body, said stem-having a plurality of dispensing ports disposed in its wall along its length which |are opened sequentially as said valve stem is reciprocally operated, valve stem biasing means acting lupon said closed end to bias said stern outwardlyV of said valve body, valve sealing means disposed so as to seal said dispensingV ports when the closed end of said ste-rn is biased outwardly of said valve body, and -a spray pattern change indication means comprising a ball detent mechanism aixed to said body and said .stem whereby movement between the body and stern results in a touch and visual indication offa changeover in 'spray pattern. i

' 5. A valve for dispensing a spray pattern comprising avalvebody,means on said valve for affixing said valve to Van aerosol container, a hollow valve stem with a closed endreciprocally operable Vwithin said body, said stem having la dispensingV port disposed in its Wall, said port having a at therein for effecting substantially `complete exposure of theV port during actuation .of the valve whereby scatter y patterns fare minimized, valve stem biasing means acting upon saidclosed end lto bias said Ystem outwardly of said valve body and valve sealing means disposed so as to seal said dispensing port when the'closed end of said' stem is biased outwardly of said valve body. l

Vt5. 'A valve for dispensing a plurality of spray patterns )Vith minimal scatter patterns during :changeover from one pattern to the next, :comprising a valve body,` means on said valve forxaixing said valve to an aerosol container, a Vhollow .valve stem with a closedy end reciprocally operable within said'bodyfsaid stem havingdispensing ports disposed in its wall alongA its length which are opened sequentially as said( valve stem is reciprocally operated, s aid ports having ats therein which face the dat of the next `adjaent port `for effecting substantially Icomplete exposuregof each port during actuation of the valve where- 'by scatter-y patternsare minimized, valve `vstern biasing means acting upon said closed endtol bias said .stem outwardly of said valve bodyV and valvesealing means disend of said stem is biased outwardly of said valve body.

7. A valve capable of dispensinga plurality` of spray patterns with minimal scatter patterns during changeover from fonepatternv to thenext comprising a tubular valve body, means on said valve for aixing said valve to an aersol container, a hollow valve stem with a closed end reciprocally operable Within isaid valve body, said stem having a plurality of dispensing ports disposed in its wall along its length, said ports having iiats therein which face the ats of the next adjacent port for effecting substantially complete exposure of each port during actuation of the valve whereby scatter patterns are minimized, valve stern ybiasing means within said valve body, and acting upon said 'closed end to bias said stem Ioutwardly of said valve body, valve sealing means disposed so as to seal said `dispensing ports when the closed end of `said stem is biased outwardy1y of said valve body, valve stem actuating means affixed to said stern whereby the vdispensing ports of said valve may be opened sequentially by pressure against said actuating means to eiect a plurality of lspray patterns, Yand a spray pattern change indication means `comprising additional valve stern biasing means which act upon said closed 6 end in sequential order as the valve stem is reciprocated Within said valve body to bias said stem outwardly of said valve body to thereby indicate, by change in actuation resistance, a changeover in spray pattern.

References Cited bythe Examiner UNTTED STATES PATENTS M. CARY NELSON, Primary Examiner.

HENRY T. KLTNKSIEK, Examiner. 

1. A VALVE CAPABLE OF DISPENSING A PLURALITY OF SPRAY PATTERNS COMPRISING A VALVE BODY, MEANS ON SAID VALVE FOR AFFIXING SAID VALVE TO AN AEROSOL CONTAINER, A HOLLOW VALVE STEM WITH A CLOSED END RECIPROCALLY OPERABLE WITHIN SAID BODY, SAID STEM HAVING A PLURALITY OF DISPENSING PORTS DISPOSED IN ITS WALL ALONG ITS LENGTH WHICH ARE OPENED SEQUENTIALLY AS SAID VALVE STEM IS RECIPROCALLY OPERATED, VALVE STEM BIASING MEANS ACTING UPON SAID CLOSED END TO BIAS SAID STEM OUTWARDLY OF SAID VALVE BODY, AND VALVE SEALING MEANS DISPOSED SO AS TO SEAL SAID DISPENSING PORTS WHEN THE CLOSED END OF SAID STEM IS BIASED OUTWARDLY OF SAID VALVE BODY. 